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mediterrean bowl with lamb meatballs and veggies incouding red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, tzatziki, feta and pita chips. it's a beautifully arranged bowl

Mediterranean Bowl with Lamb Meatballs and Veggies

Izzah Khan
Inspired by Cava’s commitment to delicious, wholesome food, this spiced lamb meatball bowl brings the essence of Mediterranean dining to your table, blending freshness and bold zesty flavor in every bite. It has good proteins, crispy veggies and filling carbs galore.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 5 people

Ingredients
  

Lamb meatballs

  • 1 lb ground lamb
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sambal or any chili paste like harissa
  • 1 tsp tomato paste
  • ¼ teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 2 tablespoon cilantro and parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon oil

Mediterranean Bowl

  • Spring mix or your choice of greens
  • Sweet corn roasted with salt and smoked paprika
  • Kalamata olives
  • Hummus
  • Pickled red onion
  • Feta cheese
  • Pita chips
  • Cilantro chopped for garnish

Rice

  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber grated and squeezed to remove excess water
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Make the Lamb Meatballs

  • In a large bowl, mix the ground lamb with cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, and salt.
  • Divide the mixture into small golf-sized balls.
  • In a well-greased cast iron skillet, cook the meatballs over high heat for 2-3 minutes on one side.
  • Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until deeply colored and cooked through.
  • Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Rice

  • Add rice, water, salt, and turmeric to a pan.
  • Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is cooked through.
  • Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  • In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix well and set aside.

Assemble the Mediterranean Rice Bowl

  • Start with a bed of spring mix or your choice of greens.
  • Add a layer of rice followed by the lamb meatballs.
  • Top with roasted sweet corn, Kalamata olives, hummus, pickled red onion, feta cheese, and pita chips.
  • Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and garnish with chopped cilantro.